What to do with Abandoned Nestlings: A Guide to Rescue and Care
If you find a bird nestling outside its nest, your immediate action should be to determine if it truly needs rescuing. Often, intervening may do more harm than good; assess the situation carefully, attempting to return the bird to its nest if possible.
Understanding the Difference: Fledglings vs. Nestlings
It’s crucial to distinguish between fledglings and nestlings before intervening. Misidentifying a fledgling as an abandoned nestling is a common mistake.
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Nestlings: These are young birds that are completely dependent on their parents. They typically have little or no feathers, cannot hop or walk, and often have their eyes closed. Their presence outside the nest usually indicates a genuine problem. They need constant warmth and feeding.
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Fledglings: These are older birds that have begun to develop feathers and can hop or flutter short distances. Fledglings often leave the nest before they are fully capable of flying and are still being cared for by their parents. Observing them from a distance is important. The parents are likely nearby and still feeding them, even if you don’t see them immediately.
Assessing the Situation: Is Rescue Necessary?
Before removing a bird, ask yourself these questions:
- Is the bird injured? Look for obvious signs of injury, such as broken wings or legs, bleeding, or inability to move properly.
- Is the nest nearby? If the bird is a nestling and the nest is easily accessible, try to return it. Birds have a poor sense of smell and will not reject their young simply because they have been touched by humans.
- Is there any sign of the parents? Observe the area from a distance (at least 30 feet) for 1-2 hours. If the parents are returning to feed the other nestlings, they will likely care for the one you’ve found as well.
- Is the bird in immediate danger? Is it exposed to predators, traffic, or harsh weather conditions?
The “Nestling Return” Strategy
If the nestling appears healthy and uninjured, and the nest is accessible, this is the preferred course of action.
- Locate the nest: Identify the nest from which the bird likely fell.
- Gentle Handling: Gently pick up the nestling. Don’t worry about leaving your scent; birds don’t have a strong sense of smell.
- Return to the nest: Place the nestling back in its nest.
- Monitor: Observe the nest from a distance to ensure the parents return and continue caring for the young.
When Rescue is the Only Option
If the nestling is injured, orphaned (parents are deceased or have not returned after a reasonable time), or in immediate danger, rescue becomes necessary.
- Secure the bird: Gently pick up the nestling and place it in a small, secure container lined with soft, clean material such as paper towels or fleece. Avoid using materials like hay or straw, which can harbor parasites.
- Provide warmth: Nestlings need to be kept warm. A heating pad set on low and placed under half of the container, or a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel, can provide adequate warmth. Ensure the bird can move away from the heat source if it becomes too warm.
- Minimize handling: Reduce stress by handling the bird as little as possible. Keep the container in a quiet, dark, and warm place.
- Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator: This is the most important step. Wildlife rehabilitators have the knowledge, experience, and resources to provide specialized care for abandoned nestlings. They will be able to identify the species, determine the bird’s age and health status, and provide appropriate food and medical treatment.
The Importance of Professional Rehabilitation
Raising abandoned nestlings is a complex and challenging task best left to professionals. Here’s why:
- Species-Specific Diets: Each bird species has specific dietary needs. Feeding an abandoned nestling the wrong food can lead to malnutrition, developmental problems, and even death.
- Feeding Techniques: Nestlings require frequent feedings of small amounts of food. Wildlife rehabilitators have the skills and tools necessary to properly feed these birds.
- Proper Housing and Environment: Nestlings need specific environmental conditions to thrive. Rehabilitators can provide the appropriate housing, temperature, and humidity levels.
- Disease Prevention: Rehabilitators are trained to recognize and treat diseases that can affect abandoned nestlings.
- Release Preparation: Rehabilitators prepare abandoned nestlings for release back into the wild by teaching them essential survival skills, such as foraging and predator avoidance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming the bird is abandoned too quickly. Observe from a distance before intervening.
- Trying to raise the bird yourself without proper knowledge or resources. This is often illegal and usually results in the bird’s death.
- Feeding the bird bread or milk. These are not appropriate foods for abandoned nestlings and can be harmful.
- Keeping the bird as a pet. Native wild birds are protected by law and cannot be kept as pets. Releasing a bird raised in captivity without proper preparation can significantly decrease its chance of survival.
Understanding Legal Considerations
In many jurisdictions, it is illegal to possess or care for native wild birds without the proper permits. Contact your local wildlife agency for information on regulations in your area. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are authorized to care for injured or orphaned wildlife and are the best resource for abandoned nestlings.
Comparing Fledglings and Nestlings
| Feature | Nestling | Fledgling |
|---|---|---|
| —————- | ——————————————– | —————————————— |
| Feathers | Few or no feathers | Mostly feathered |
| Mobility | Unable to hop or walk | Can hop or flutter short distances |
| Dependence | Completely dependent on parents | Still dependent, but becoming more independent |
| Best Action | Return to nest if possible, or rescue | Observe from a distance |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If I touch a nestling, will the parents reject it?
No. This is a common myth. Birds have a poor sense of smell, so they will not reject their young simply because they have been touched by humans. As long as the nestling is healthy and the nest is accessible, returning it is the best course of action.
What should I do if I find a nestling and can’t find the nest?
If you can’t locate the nest, you can try creating a temporary nest. Use a small container (like a strawberry basket) lined with soft material. Place it as close as possible to where you found the nestling, ideally in a sheltered location. Monitor from a distance to see if the parents return. If they don’t return within a few hours, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
What do wildlife rehabilitators feed abandoned nestlings?
Wildlife rehabilitators use species-specific formulas or specialized diets based on the bird’s age and species. These diets typically include insects, worms, commercially prepared bird food, and other nutrient-rich ingredients. Never attempt to feed a nestling without knowing its specific dietary needs.
How often do abandoned nestlings need to be fed?
Nestlings require frequent feedings, often every 15-30 minutes during daylight hours. The frequency depends on the bird’s age and species. This is why professional care is essential; providing such frequent care is incredibly demanding.
How can I tell if a nestling is dehydrated?
Signs of dehydration in a nestling include sunken eyes, dry skin, and lack of energy. Never force fluids down a bird’s throat. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately. They can provide fluids and electrolytes as needed.
What if I find a nestling at night?
If you find a nestling at night, keep it warm and safe overnight. Place it in a container with a heat source, as described above, and contact a wildlife rehabilitator first thing in the morning. Avoid feeding it at night, as it could choke or aspirate the food.
Is it legal to raise a nestling I found on my own?
In most jurisdictions, it is illegal to possess or care for native wild birds without the proper permits. Contact your local wildlife agency for specific regulations in your area. Licensed wildlife rehabilitators are the only individuals authorized to care for injured or orphaned wildlife.
What kind of container should I use to transport an abandoned nestling?
Use a small cardboard box or plastic container lined with soft, clean material, such as paper towels or fleece. Make sure the container has air holes. Avoid using cages with wire mesh, as the bird could injure itself.
How do I know if a wildlife rehabilitator is licensed?
Ask the rehabilitator to provide proof of their license or permit. You can also contact your local wildlife agency to verify their credentials.
What are the chances of survival for an abandoned nestling?
The chances of survival depend on several factors, including the bird’s age, health, species, and the quality of care it receives. The best chance of survival is with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator.
What happens to abandoned nestlings after they are rehabilitated?
Wildlife rehabilitators release rehabilitated birds back into the wild when they are healthy and capable of surviving on their own. They choose release sites that are appropriate for the bird’s species and habitat requirements.
What if I see a nestling with its parents but the nest has been destroyed?
If the nest has been destroyed but the parents are still caring for the nestlings, you can try building a replacement nest. Use a small basket or container and line it with soft material. Place the replacement nest as close as possible to the original nest site. If the parents accept the new nest, they will continue to care for their young. If they don’t, contact a wildlife rehabilitator.